Datateam Business Media, the publisher of Builders Merchants Journal (BMJ), has announced the launch of the BMJ Industry Awards. Designed to champion the voice of the people, this particular awards scheme will be decided entirely by an industry vote.

Linking merchants and manufacturers, BMJ is the UK’s longest running industry title, serving the construction distribution supply chain for nearly 100 years. “In that time, we’ve learned that the most important part of the any industry is the people and the brands that they promote,” says editor-in-chief, Fiona Russell-Horne.

Shining a spotlight on the building industry’s most outstanding people, merchants and brands, this new and unique event will take place in London, next May. “Entries are now open and our aim is to reflect the massive pool of talent we have out there, celebrating the brands, names and businesses that keep the merchant sector thriving,” says Russell-Horne.

How it works

The awards are split into three sections; ‘Brands’, ‘Merchants’ and ‘People’. The ‘Brands’ section covers a range of different sectors; from plumbing to heavy sides, timber to landscaping, kitchens to bathrooms, roofing to heating, there is something for everyone, including a ‘best distributor’ award.

New, independent, multiple and online merchants will have their chance to shine too, with categories for each. The ‘Merchants’ section also has awards for ‘best marketing campaign’ and ‘best showroom’ as well as a ‘rising star’ award for stand-out achievements at regional and national level.

The ‘People Awards’ meanwhile, are designed to recognise those who go above and beyond in the pursuit of excellence. The categories are: ‘Personality of the Year’, ‘Best Customer Service’ and ‘Best Sales Rep’, all sure to be hotly contested in an industry already known for its high standards.

Brands, merchants and individuals may enter into any of the relevant categories online, via the dedicated BMJ Industry Awards website. They may also nominate other companies and individuals for a BMJ Industry Award using the same simple online form. Merchants are asked to support brands by nominating them for an award and vice versa. What’s more it’s free!

Event and publication manager Max Shannon asks: “Is there a merchant that you know does a fabulous job? Do you have any ‘hero brands’ that are a guaranteed hit? This is your chance to tell us by highlighting the brands, people, merchants and services of the future.”

Entries and nominations must meet the necessary criteria to be allowed through to the voting stage. A secure online voting process will then produce 5 finalists in each category, with the winners being those who have attracted the most votes overall.

The event

The BMJ Industry Awards will bring together the entire supply chain for an afternoon of celebration and networking. Commenting on the importance of attending the event, Fiona Russell- Horne says: “Networking with peers, competitors, suppliers and customers is what makes this industry go around, so the BMJ Industry Awards will offer a great opportunity to get together in convivial surroundings to meet and greet colleagues and friends both past and present and even make some new ones. The BMJ Industry Awards are about getting together to celebrate what who we are and what we have.”

Sponsorship opportunities

There are a number of exclusive sponsorship opportunities at the awards ceremony and gala dinner. “The event will be attended by hundreds of industry professionals and market leaders, making it the ideal platform from which to raise your company profile,” says Shannon.

The logos of sponsors will be used on all marketing material throughout the event’s promotional build up, with exposure to BMJ’s considerable print and digital subscribers.

A number of additional ‘on the night’ sponsorship opportunities are available to suit a range of budgets.

The BMJ Industry Awards has already captured the imagination of leading names, with Marsh Industries, BA Components and Marshalls and Stone Market signing up as category sponsors ahead of the official launch this month.